Season 3 Draft Review

The season 3 draft has come & gone by the wayside. The Rochester Charlie-A** Kickers tabbed stud hitter Craig Maduro as the #1 overall pick.

1. Rochester Charlie-A** Kickers
Craig Maduro $7,400,000 Bonus ****
The C.A.K's made the sweet swinging switch hitting Maduro the number 1 pick of the draft after a standout career at Iona College.
Projection: Shows to be a average defensive left fielder. Could be a gold glove first baseman if moved. His value is in his bat as he will hit for power and average but must show more patience at the plate to meet his potential. Future all star as it stands with hall of fame potential should he improve his batting eye.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 5
Major League Comparison: Manny Ramirez
Injury Concern Level: 3.0

2.Durham Bull****artists
Benji Gonzales $3,910,000 Bonus ****
The Artists jumped at the chance to snag the young texan from Slaton HS.
Projection: Looks to be a very hard worker who's offense is right now ahead of his defense. Comes in as a 2B but his best position in the future might be in CF where his below average arm strength can be hidden by his oustanding but still develop range and glove potential. Will be a good baserunner with outstanding speed. Look for this kid to be a bright spot in the lineup for years as a potential #3 to #4 hitter.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 6-7
Major League Comparison: Chase Utley
Injury Concern Level: 2.0

3.Cleveland Indians
Hooks Ball $3,055,000 Bonus *****
Giddy for lack of a better description of a word to describe the feeling of the Indians front office when the most major league ready player in the draft fell to them. The hard throwing senior out of Louisiana at Lafayette would make quite a few teams ML rotations as a #3 guy right now.
Projection: Ball is the perfect mix of polish and power. He has the ability to blow by you with a upper 90's 4 seamer or come after you with a slider that makes even the best hitter look like a little leaguer. aggressive strike zone pounder on a 6-3 frame with room to grow ensure he should do nothing but improve in the future. Which means bad things for the hitters who face him.
A likely hall of famer by the end of his career with the potential to also be the top player to come out of this class.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 4
Major League Comparison: Mike Mussina
Injury Concern Level: 1.0

4.Mexico City Sombreros
Philip Gonzales $5,240,000 Bonus *****
They wanted to throw a parade but they were forced to settle for a mere Mariachi celebration.
That's the best way to put the mood of the Sombreros after acquiring the rights to the number one player on their board.
Projection: Is a prospect with 5 tool abilities. Drafted as a SS his frame might force him to move to a different infield position. Would make a solid 2B but would thrive as a defensive play making 3B. But enough about his defensive potential, let's talk about his tools as a offensive guy.
Is a patient hitter with a ever improving batting eye. Shows a high hitters acumen who knows just when to push or pull the ball to the spot he needs it to go. Makes alot of contact but hates to bunt(he should) Is a terror on the base paths. Letting him get on is as good as guaranteeing a run will score. Puts tremendous pressure on the pitcher to keep him honest which makes them make a mistake.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 6
Major League Comparison: Justin Upton
Injury Concern Level: 1.0

4.San Juan Tequila Drinkin Barflies
Vin Mendoza $3,630,000 Bonus ****
After chuckling beyond political correctness the commissioner is finally able to get out the words the TDB fans had been waiting to here. "With the 4th pick of the season 3 draft the San Juan franchise selects Vin Mendoza out of Miami University (Ohio)"
Projection: Finally! A shortstop drafted that projection as a(wait for it...) SS at the major league level. Has all the tools to make himself into a very good if not gold glove caliber SS. Makes all the flashy plays but can at times Botch the routine ones, which makes him seem to be of lower caliber defensive ability than he truly possesses. He will never wow you with power but his hitting potential is that of a future battling title champ.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 5
Major League Comparison: Derek Jeter
Injury Concern Level: 2.0

6.Portland Proletariat
Bronson Welch $3,540,000 Bonus ****
Projection: His career could go one of two ways. either he'll be a once promising prospects who becomes a solid contributer. Or he will reach his potential and make some team a great SP. He would thrive as a #2 guy in the rotation but he is more than capable to hold his own as a teams #1 ace.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 5
Major League Comparison: Brandon Webb
Injury Concern Level: 3.0

7.New York Winfields
Lee Bloomquist$3,440,000 Bonus *** 1/2
The Winfields tabbed draft eligible freshman 3B Bloomquist who's friend dubbed him "The Prince of Power"
Projection: The definition of the term "Power Hitter". He has a tremendous amount of power and when he makes contact he makes you pay. But he has very litle patience at the plate while having a taste for swinging at bad pitches. He will make a solid ML'er but will have to work on his mechanics & be placed at a infield position that suits his abilities to become more.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 6-7
Major League Comparison: Adrian Beltre
Injury Concern Level: 2.0

8.St. Louis Red Ravens
Neifi Hernandez $3,350,000 Bonus N/R
This was the worst kept secret in the draft. There were rumors of a deal in place weeks before the draft between the two sides. So when the time for the pick came it was no surprise that the kid they call "El Sultán" ended up a Red Raven.
Projection: Smooth is the word to describe the way he plays. He gives maximum effort everytime out but the way he plays makes it seem as if he isn't trying. At first glance at the plate you think Bobby Abreu, but once he gets into that stance & begin wraggling that bat. It hits you that the player he most resembles is a description that fits him to a T. He lacks a great batting eye & feel for pitches out of the zone but when he makes contact(which he does alot) he makes you pay with an extra base hit. If he can overcome the less than appreciated eye he can become a stellar OF as he projects to be either in Right or Left.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 5-6
Major League Comparison: Gary Sheffield
Injury Concern Level: 1.0

9.San Diego Figs
Turner Walsh $2,800,000 Bonus ****
San Diego sought to grab one of the best college arms in the draft going in. They succeeded in landing one in Walsh.
Projection: A very polish performer who thrives on the big stage. coming off a strong performance as his team friday night starter all season and their ace all the way through to their college WS appearance. He is a rare breed in that he does not possess a dominant lights out pitch. But he has complete control over 5 pitches. He will be a very successful pitcher at the next level but it's a matter stamina that will determine how many times he leaves the stadium with a W.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 4-5
Major League Comparison: Ben Sheets
Injury Concern Level: 2.0

10. Honolulu Sun Gods
Lawrence Speier - Has Yet To Sign

11.Baltimore Orioles
Jayson Perry $3,070,000 Bonus ***
The Orioles saw fit to put a premium on defense as they choose the slick fielding Perry to be their SS of the future.

Projection: A premium defensive type with the chance to become a gold glove caliber fielder. He will be able to hit as a .290-.300 type with 30 steals and alot of infield hits.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 6
Major League Comparison: Orlando Cabrera
Injury Concern Level: 3.0

12.Tacoma Kansas City
Ken Swann $2,970,000 Bonus ****
The Tacoma franchise gets a gem here and a very high value pick. He's a team player with polish.
Projection: Polished is the best way to describe Swann. A short compact swing with a very good batting eye. Show tremendous patience at the plate. He'll never wow you with his defense as a second baseman but would excel as a LF. He'll make his share of all star teams in the future.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 4-5
Major League Comparison: Howie Kendrick
Injury Concern Level: 2.0

13.Charlotte Orange Crush
Louis Walker $2,880,000 Bonus ****
Projection: Very solid pitcher, he won't wow you on the radar but he's very very effective. He'll need a good defensive infield behind him but if he gets it he'll be a ok #1 & rock solid #2 starter
Major League Debut ETA: Season 5
Major League Comparison: Fausto Carmona
Injury Concern Level: 1.0

14.Chicago Mob
Arthur Reed $2,500,000 Bonus ***
Projection: Solid all around catcher. He can be a #4 hitter type if he develops & is talented enough to also stay behind the plate. If he puts it all together he will be special.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 6-7
Major League Comparison: Sandy Alomar
Injury Concern Level: 3.0

15.Colorado Springs Starrs
Bobby Ray Powell $2,690,000 Bonus ***
Projection: Very patience hitter who loves to drive the ball. Works the count very well & is a outstanding baserunner even though he doesn't steal alot. Makes the pitcher beat himself.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 6-7
Major League Comparison: Bobby Abreu
Injury Concern Level: 1.0

16.Scranton Office
Cliff Daniels $2,600,000 Bonus ****
Projection: A phenomenal Hitter plain & simple. It's what he'll make his money doing, it's what he does best.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 4-5
Major League Comparison: None
Injury Concern Level: 1.0

17.Wichita Golden Tornado
Joe Boone $2,500,000 Bonus ***
Projection: Solid college arm who will make a quick rise to the majors. Control & poise on the mound are keys to his success.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 5
Major League Comparison: None
Injury Concern Level: 2.0

18. Little Rock Bill Clintons
Woodie Kraemer - Has Yet Sign(**** if he does)

19.Chicago Mob
Sal Broome $2,320,000 Bonus ****
Projection: Possibly the best hitter in the draft. Is in no way a C as drafted but will be a MVP candidate as a DH.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 4-5
Major League Comparison: None
Injury Concern Level: 2.0

20.Seattle Mariners
Mark Byrdak $2,220,000 Bonus ***
Projection: Solid college arm with closer potential. More suited for the setup role & will thrive as such.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 5
Major League Comparison: None
Injury Concern Level: 3.0

21.Sacramento Rivercats
Tom Washington $2,130,000 Bonus ***
Projection: Solid all around player who can hit & field. Not a star but definitely a glue type player.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 5
Major League Comparison: None
Injury Concern Level: 2.0


22.Boston Mass
Cyrus Romero $3,550,000 Bonus ***
Projection: Defensive wiz in the field. Great speed & a terror on the base paths.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 6
Major League Comparison: None
Injury Concern Level: 4.0

23.Memphis Screaming Mimes
Stretch Jones $1,940,000 Bonus ***
Projection: Polished arm with #3-#4 starter potential. Great control & keeps the ball down.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 4-5
Major League Comparison: None
Injury Concern Level: 2.0

24.Houston Cowboys
Omar Becker $1,850,000 Bonus ****
Projection: Another potential allstar closer. Throws the ball with great velocity & control.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 5
Major League Comparison: None
Injury Concern Level: 2.0

25.Minnesota Baggies
Jim Douglas $1,750,000 Bonus ***
Projection: College arm with polish & control. Will get hitters out when he needs to & get you 5-6 quality innings. Solid prospect.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 5
Major League Comparison: None
Injury Concern Level: 1.0

26.Cincinnati Pigs
Seth Helton $1,660,000 Bonus ***
Projection: Another college arm only this one has some control issue. will make a solid #2 starter if he can overcome them.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 5-6
Major League Comparison: None
Injury Concern Level: 1.0

27.Cleveland Indians
Mario Willis $1,570,000 Bonus ***
Projection: Very good college reliever with alot of upside but his mechanics need some work. Kerry Wood like health concerns.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 4-5
Major League Comparison: None
Injury Concern Level: 4.0

28.Buffalo Russerts
Hamish Helton $1,470,000 Bonus ***
Projection: Control pitcher who can eat alot of innings. Shows as a #4 or #5 potential starter. Future might be best suited as a long reliever.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 6
Major League Comparison:
Injury Concern Level: 2.0

29.Santa Fe Heat
Harry Nieto $1,380,000 Bonus ****
Projection: Lights outs is the way to describe him when he's on. He'll blow it by you or if you make him mad he'll bean you in the noggin. If he puts it all together Hall of fame might be in his future.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 5
Major League Comparison: None
Injury Concern Level: 2.0

30.Pittsburgh Steel Makers 2
Charles Nelson $1,290,000 Bonus ***
Might be the best value pick of the first round.
Projection: Flame thrower, small & compact frame. Can be lights out at times but consistency is an issue. Should make a good closer or a great setup man.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 5
Major League Comparison: None
Injury Concern Level: 3.0

31.Scottsdale Redlegs
Hipolito Pena $1,190,000 Bonus ***
Projection: A college arm who has a chance to make a rapid ascension to the bigs. He throws hard & keeps the ball down. Just tends to overthrow & it causes control problems.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 4-5
Major League Comparison: None
Injury Concern Level: 2.0

32.Richmond Whack-A-Moles
Kenneth Burkhart $1,100,000 Bonus ***
Very good value at the end of round 1. A polished senior hitter to add depth to the minors.
Projection: Solid is the best way to describe it. Not gonna be spectacular nor a star but he will play hard all game. Drafted as a 3B but future might be as a 1B or DH.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 5
Major League Comparison: None
Injury Concern Level: 3.0

Star Ranking System & potential
***** - Hall Of Famer
**** - Perennial All Star
*** - Solid Major League Contributer
** - AAAA Type
* - Minor League Roster Fodder

Health Concern
5.0 - 0-44 Severe health issues. Potentially projection affecting.
4.0 - 45-59 Very serious health concerns with DL trips likely mutiple times during a season.
3.0 - 60-74 Average health but nothing that should be woefully alarming.
2.0 - 75-89 Solid health and shouldn't make many trips to the DL
1.0 - 90-100 Oustanding health with injuries few and far between. Not likely to be severely injured.